Understanding Suppurative Tonsillitis: When to Seek Hospitalization
Tonsillitis with suppuration? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my condition. On November 1st, I went to the emergency room due to a sore throat that made it difficult to swallow and a fever. The emergency diagnosis was purulent tonsillitis. I had blood tests done, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to have an otolaryngologist perform a laryngoscopy to examine the throat. If pus is found, consideration should be given to a minor surgical procedure for incision and drainage, and possibly hospitalization. If it is merely infl...[Read More] Understanding Suppurative Tonsillitis: When to Seek Hospitalization
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Minor Injuries and Oral Symptoms
Risk of HIV Infection On October 1st, I noticed a small amount of unknown blood on my right big toe. I'm not sure if it was from someone who dripped it on the ground or if I stepped on it, as I didn't feel anything and didn't notice anyone nearby bleeding. However,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description of the wound on your foot, it is unlikely that it has led to an HIV infection. The symptoms you described are not indicative of HIV, so there is no need for you to undergo specific testing at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Minor Injuries and Oral Symptoms
Understanding Abdominal Pain When Contracting Your Stomach Muscles
Experiencing abdominal pain when straining? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about a situation I'm experiencing. When I exert myself and tighten my abdomen, I feel a bit of pain in my abdominal area, but I don't feel anything when I'm not straining (the pain ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the appendix is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, and if it is appendicitis, it typically hurts even without straining the abdomen. The abdominal pain you mentioned is most likely due to a muscle strain. Have you recently engaged in any abdominal-related ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain When Contracting Your Stomach Muscles
Understanding COVID-19 Diagnosis and Isolation: Key Questions Answered
Some issues related to COVID-19 diagnosis? I'm sorry, but I don't know which specialty to ask. On the afternoon of October 14th, I suddenly felt a strong urge to cough, and it was severe. Even after getting home from work that night, I took a rapid test which came back ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is advisable to maintain a proper distance for the time being, as there may still be a low viral load present. 2. Yes, that's correct. When the viral load is low, there is a possibility of false negatives. 3. No, currently other diseases do not cause false p...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Diagnosis and Isolation: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Internal Itching: Causes and Solutions After Diagnosis
It feels itchy inside the body? Since the third day after being diagnosed, I have not had a fever, but I feel an internal itch throughout my body. It's very uncomfortable and hard to describe; I feel the need to keep moving to feel a bit better. Even before going to sleep at...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is true that some individuals may experience skin rashes due to COVID-19, although the likelihood is low. I would like to know if you are currently taking any medications, as it may be necessary to rule out drug or food allergies. If there are none, then it could be att...[Read More] Understanding Internal Itching: Causes and Solutions After Diagnosis
Managing Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: Symptoms and Treatment
Fever after diagnosis? In the first three days after diagnosis, I experienced a fever of 38.5°C. After that, my daytime temperature was around 37.2-37.5°C, but as the sun began to set, I felt my temperature rise to 38.5°C, which lasted for about 3-4 hours before it decreased, acc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. When infected with COVID-19, there may also be infections in other areas, such as the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wound infections. Therefore, please also check for any abnormalities in other areas. 2. Body temperature throughout the day is generally lower in t...[Read More] Managing Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: Symptoms and Treatment
Fever After Diagnosis: Understanding Post-Infection Symptoms
Fever after diagnosis? In the first three days after diagnosis, I experienced a fever of 38.5°C. After that, my daytime temperature was around 37.2-37.5°C, but as the sun began to set, I felt my temperature rise to 38.5°C, which lasted for about 3-4 hours before it decreased, acc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. When infected with COVID-19, there may also be infections in other areas, such as the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wound infections. Therefore, please check for any abnormal signs in other areas as well. 2. Body temperature throughout the day is typically lower ...[Read More] Fever After Diagnosis: Understanding Post-Infection Symptoms
Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
If diagnosed with COVID-19, should Salmeterol be discontinued? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Currently, I take two tablets of Salazopyrin daily (without taking anti-inflammatory medication) to manage my condition. I was diagnosed with COVID...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Salazopyrin is an immunomodulator, which is different from immunosuppressants. It only suppresses the body's immune response but does not inhibit the immune response to foreign viruses, so it does not lower the ...[Read More] Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
Positive Rapid Test on Day 10: Understanding COVID-19 Recovery and Risks
Ten days after diagnosis, the rapid test is still positive? Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old and today marks the 10th day since my diagnosis. I still test positive on the rapid test (the test line is faint, not as dark as when I was first diagnosed). On the first day of my diagnos...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. A positive result still indicates that viral proteins remain in the body, which does not necessarily mean that the immune system is weak or that there is a high viral load; some individuals may naturally retain certain viral proteins. 2. The presence of a positive re...[Read More] Positive Rapid Test on Day 10: Understanding COVID-19 Recovery and Risks
Post-COVID Treatment: Should You Take Antiviral Medications?
How to use medication after being diagnosed with COVID-19? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 22 years old, and I have had this condition for over two years. Currently, I am managing my condition with Salazopyrin. Yesterday, a general clinic (not a rheumato...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The use of Isalor tablets for managing ankylosing spondylitis is indeed related to an abnormal immune function, which is why your physician has prescribed Belaviv. Currently, this medication has not yet received market approval, and if there ar...[Read More] Post-COVID Treatment: Should You Take Antiviral Medications?
Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Complement C3 & C4 Every morning when I wake up, my hands are swollen and stiff, and I experience pain in the joints when bending my fingers. Blood tests showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 16, rheumatoid arthritis factor tests (immunoturbidimetry) were less than 20, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your C3 level is slightly low, but this may just be a variation due to your constitution, so there is no need to worry too much. Other tests are normal. I believe that if your morning stiffness lasts for a short duration, such as less than half ...[Read More] Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms
If diagnosed with COVID-19 and symptoms are becoming milder, is there a significant chance of suddenly progressing to moderate or severe symptoms? Hello Doctor: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, I saw a doctor and received medication (it seems like the medication is mostly for...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have previously been diagnosed, your body will still have some antibodies; however, these antibodies will gradually decrease over time. Therefore, if there is a long interval since the last infection and your immune system is not functioning well, it is indeed possi...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Immune system? Hello, Doctor: I previously asked you about issues related to rheumatology and immunology, specifically about skin pain and itching. I believe I may have lupus erythematosus, and the doctors have suggested further monitoring. The patient has been experiencing persi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is autonomic nervous system dysfunction included in immune system diseases, or should I consult another specialty? --> Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is not related to the immune system, but immune system di...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Immune system diseases Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. This past March, I experienced a persistent low-grade fever for a month and had blood tests done, which indicated elevated immune system markers suggesting rheumatoid arthritis. I was then referred to a r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should taking quinine prevent fever? I informed you that I had a fever for a while that day! But if I haven't been examined, which department should I consult to find out where the inflammation is? --> Fever ...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Post-exposure prophylaxis symptom inquiry Hello Doctor, I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior with a sex worker on August 31st at noon. That evening at 7 PM, I immediately registered at the infectious disease department, and at 8 PM, I started taking PEP (post-exposure prophylax...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Your symptoms are more indicative of an allergic reaction or eczema, and it may not necessarily be a treatment failure. Whether you are HIV positive can only be determined through testing. 2. The incidence of HIV infection after prophylactic treatment failure is very...[Read More] Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Sudden Back Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help?
Sudden lower back pain accompanied by nausea? Hello doctor, I urgently need advice. My girlfriend woke up that morning with lower back pain and discomfort. When she got to work, she started vomiting and even vomited blood. Later, she felt like she had a fever. At that moment, she...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you have symptoms such as fever, lower back pain, and vomiting blood, you should go to the emergency room immediately to determine the cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Sudden Back Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help?
Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It’s like after normal breathing, there’s a sudden loud exhale, and it feels like I have tightness in my chest and can’t breathe out properly. I’m not sure ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to ensure that your lungs are healthy. If it is alr...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Unexplained Fever After Family COVID-19 Diagnosis: What to Know
Fever of unknown origin (not diagnosed) Hello, doctor. On Sunday (September 11), a family member tested positive for COVID-19, and the next day (September 12), another family member also tested positive. I have no other symptoms of COVID-19, although I did experience wrist pain f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing early symptoms of COVID-19. Initially, the viral load may be low, which could result in a false negative on a rapid test. Another possibility is whether you have been taking any prophylactic medications, a...[Read More] Unexplained Fever After Family COVID-19 Diagnosis: What to Know
Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It's like after normal breathing, there will suddenly be a loud exhalation, and it feels like I have a tightness in my chest and can't breathe out...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to confirm that your lungs are in good condition. If it...[Read More] Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Concerns About Vibrio Infections After Minor Cuts in Marine Environments
Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Infection Issues At 2:30 PM, I went to Sicao to catch clams and didn't notice a slight cut on my leg. After about an hour, I returned to shore and rinsed the wound with clean water; it was red but did not swell, hurt, or feel warm. When I got home...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There are different pathogenic bacteria species in seawater and freshwater. Wounds that occur in water can indeed become infected and cause inflammation. However, if the immune system is functioning normally, most minor wounds will heal on their own. It is advisable to mon...[Read More] Concerns About Vibrio Infections After Minor Cuts in Marine Environments